This unique media player integrates advanced speech recognition processing with specialized security features.
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Case Study:
Symbiotic Design and Function
This project started with our client’s idea to have a special media device that was able to do everything their competitor’s devices could, but also add a unique feature: the ability to record and process their customer’s speech, then apply their proprietary algorithms to that function.
Because this was targeted at a premium market segment, it also required a very high standard for how it looked, plus it had to offer comfortable and easy use everyday functions.
Challenge:
We faced several challenges during the concept stage:
Integrating a powerful DSP processor into a tiny device.
Making a sleek and expensive looking design for only a few units - balancing low-volume manufacturing of a high-end product with reasonable unit cost.
Creating modern UX with touch controls while staying within the budget.
Solutions:
Contemporary design.
The enclosure design was inspired by modern smartphones; however, the thickness had to be higher because of the high-capacity battery needed to supply a power-hungry processor. We compensated for the thick profile with a narrow face to make the device more comfortable to hold.
Brightness-adjusted display.
The monochrome display is of the OLED type, with its brightness adjusted with a light sensor, ensuring optimal comfort in any lighting environment.
Touch control.
The full-glass front surface hides LED-backlit touch sensors. We ensured the response was on par with the best touch screens on the market.
Powerful DSP processor.
We chose a 32-bit digital signal processor from Texas Instruments, with a peak performance of 3648 MIPS and 2746 MFLOPS. It has enough computing power to execute the customer’s algorithm in real-time.
High-capacity battery.
To provide enough power to the DSP, we picked a high-capacity 2300 mAh Li-Ion battery, which took up most of the internal space. We also optimized the power management circuits to achieve over 90% efficiency.
Moisture and dust protection.
For reliable operation in outdoor conditions, we added adequate protection against dirt particles and moisture at IP67-level.
Solutions:
Contemporary design
The enclosure design was inspired by modern smartphones; however, the thickness had to be higher because of the high-capacity battery needed to supply a power-hungry processor. We compensated for the thick profile with a narrow face to make the device more comfortable to hold.
Brightness-adjusted display
The monochrome display is of OLED type, with its brightness adjusted. We included a sensor to automatically adjust, for additional comfort in various lighting conditions.
Touch control
The full-glass front surface hides LED-backlit touch sensors. We ensured the response was on par with the best touch screens on the market.
Powerful DSP processor
We chose a 32-bit digital signal processor from Texas Instruments, with a peak performance of 3648 MIPS and 2746 MFLOPS. It has enough computing power to execute the customer’s algorithm in real-time.
High-capacity battery
To provide enough power to the DSP, we picked a high-capacity 2300 mAh Li-Ion battery, which took up most of the internal space. We also optimized the power management circuits to achieve over 90% efficiency.
Moisture and dust protection
For reliable operation in outdoor conditions, we added adequate protection against dirt particles and moisture at IP67-level.
Before we dived into crafting those exciting and innovative features, our top priority was to ensure that every aspect of the project would seamlessly come together. We knew that success would rely on a deep understanding of the client's needs and preferences.
During the collaborative phase, we engaged in open and frequent communication with the client, valuing his input and feedback every step of the way. The client's insights played a crucial role in shaping the direction of the project, allowing us to make necessary adjustments and optimizations in real-time.
As we proceeded, we meticulously examined each detail, leaving no stone unturned. Every decision we made was carefully evaluated against the client's goals, ensuring that the final product would not only be impressive but also highly functional and user-friendly.
Through this client-oriented approach, we nurtured a strong sense of partnership with them. It was essential to us that the client felt involved and valued throughout the entire journey. The client's satisfaction and happiness were always our primary objectives.
In the end, this diligent attention to detail and client-focused collaboration enabled us to deliver a result that exceeded the client's expectations. Together, we have created a remarkable solution that caters perfectly to his unique requirements, setting the stage for a successful and rewarding future.
Specifications:
Projects deliverables:
Schematics and PCB documents - PCB manufacturing files - 3D models - Mechanical drawings - Source code in C and C++ - Test fixtures for PCBs - Engineering samples
HARDWARE PLATFORM:
TI C674x DSP
OPERATING SYSTEM:
DSP/BIOS RTOS
PORTS:
Audio in, audio out, USB
SIZE, WEIGHT:
105x40x14 mm, 85gr
INGRESS PROTECTION:
IP67
Outcome:
After agreeing on the design, we got to work. We produced and supplied two fully assembled engineering samples with six additional circuit board sets.
Our client was thrilled with what we had created, commenting on their appreciation for our commitment to quality.
Beautiful, but minimal, we managed to enable the enclosure for CNC machining. This allowed the product to be easily manufactured in small volumes, without investing in an expensive mold or needing to create too much product.
Our client got to create as many, or as few units, as they needed. Their end customers were delighted with an incredibly dazzling and high-performance, unique product that wasn’t available anywhere else.
Next Projects
High-performance hardware for a digital world.
Every one of these digital electronic devices that we created had three things in common.
1. They started with a great idea for a digital electronic device. 2. The idea had a unique set of challenges to be overcome. 3. We totally nailed the job and created something unique, from start to finish.
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